Cholesterol is the substance that gives rigidity to the cell membrane according to the hypothesis of the Daniella phospholipid bi-layer model.   It is produced by the body in small quantities in direct proportion to inheritance.   Some people produce very little cholesterol but the Pima Indians of North America produce a lot of it because they evolved as vegetarians.  Human beings absorb cholesterol from their foodstuffs especially those humans that consume much meat.  Human beings try to excrete cholesterol from their body in the fecal stream in the form of bile acids, bile acids are reabsorbed in the entero-hepatic circulation and reused in the body as membrane items and also modified into steroid hormones.  In general, the human body aims to eliminate cholesterol in the form of bile acids because in excess this yellow waxy substance plugs up the micro-circulation by forming myo-intimal plaques that block blood circulation and oxygen transport.  The effects of cholesterolosis or cholesterol poisoning are ageing, atrophy of the internal organs, stroke and heart attack due to paucity of oxygen transport in the heart.  

Figure 1cholesterol

Figure 2bile acids

The race then in longevity is ingesting enough cholesterol to make steroid hormones but not enough to cause atherosclerosis.  Vegetarians live longer primarily because they do not ingest vast amounts of cholesterol present in meat.  The stool of a heavy meat eater is odorific and putrid while the excrement of a pure vegetarian has very little odor and is more voluminous.  In addition, the high content of saturated fats presents in meat through acetyl coenzyme A build a per phenanthrene molecule two carbons at a time making more cholesterol and bile acids.  One may assert that cholesterol is a main metabolite in the branching point of bile acids and steroid hormones.  It is essential to limit the amount of intake of cholesterol in meat and aim to excrete that which is absorbed by eating vegetable mass enriched in sitosterol, a similar compound that helps man bind and eliminate cholesterol.   

Figure 3cortisone

Cortisone, a steroid hormone similar to cholesterol, acts on the DNA of the cell, is transported to the nucleus of the cell and produces a net synthesis of mrna and DNA.   Cortisone governs the immune system, maintains cellular integrity and regulates glucose balance.  Sex hormones are similar but exist in a microcosm of action related to reproduction.   As scientists we see that some cholesterol is necessary for maintaining life but too much is anathema.  The current dogma of a meat-based diet including meat and vegetables is really a superposition of the meat industry to sell more product. A diet consisting of grain, dairy, and eggs seemingly would be much more healthful.  All animal products contain cholesterol but by net content, meat contains the most.  It is interesting to note that fish contains equal amounts of protein but half the cholesterol of land-based meat.  

It seems everything that God gives us is a two-edged sword, some is necessary, too much is lethal.  Only children who have to grow brain tissue and body mass really need meat in their diet. Adults do not.  Possibly, huge hulking football players and track stars may need a meat diet to facilitate protein teardown and turnover.  Whatever the case it seems prudent to eliminate intake of cholesterol by any means possible even if it means living on oatmeal and fresh cream.  

I don’t know why but it seems everything that is delicious and fun is either, immoral, unethical or toxic.  Why this is so I don’t know why but hopefully someday I will understand the true meaning of life.  Until then,  eat very little meat, a lot of vegetables, tithe your church and hope for the better in our turbulent tumultuous world.